I had a (hopefully) wonderful post mostly prepared, but somehow it just didn't feel right. Thought I'd give you a picture of my ridiculous flowers and a few quotes. What you can't tell from the picture is the colors are wildly unnatural. There is even glitter on some of the flowers. They make me so happy. I never said I had class (my husband would tell you I am a cheap date).
This is my vision of gratitude. Start simple. It is easier to be grateful for the sunrise or hot water on demand (or brightly colored flowers) than to come up with the big stuff. There will always be a friend with cancer, the young child dying from a horrible car wreck, a fight with your spouse. This feeling was captured completely in a book I just finished, In the Company of Others by Jan Karon.
In a conversation about mothering challenging children, Father Tim, the main character, says "Healing (comes) as little drops of water, and never the mighty ocean when you need it..." My crazy flowers were one of the drops of water that lift my heart every time that I see them.
Over the past few months, I've been thinking and praying and meditating a lot. This fall my youngest will go to college and like many soon to be empty nesters it is a good time examine where I am and what I am doing. Over and over I get the feeling to be myself. Be playful, be open, be creative. Don't worry, don't overplan, just relax. Father Tim captures it again when he says "Wherever I am, He supplies a parish." If I make one person smile today, my work is done. God bless whoever sprinkled the glitter on my crazy flowers. :)
A few days ago, I was walking in our little patch of woods after a lovely snowfall (if you ever can't find me, go look in South Fork Park by the creek. I'm probably in my favorite place). Over the years that we have lived in our house, the wild areas have slowly been carved away, becoming condos, nail salons and ice cream parlors, but one last stretch by the creek remains. It is a great place to go to just be (and sometimes meet your neighbors and their dogs).
As I walked along enjoying the crunch of the snow and the occasional branch dumping snow on my head, I noticed the tracks in the snow in front of me. The human tracks strode ahead straight and strong, but the dog's went go straight along for a while, but then wandered from side to side. Did a dog just lack the moral fiber to push forward? I didn't think so. There seemed to be a rhythm.
It became clearer the longer I looked. The dog's tracks would waver as he looked up at his master's face just to check in. They had walked this path many times before, but he would do whatever it takes to please, so he had to keep looking at his master's face to check in.
We have so much to learn from dogs. When we are unsure, or even just walking along, why not ask a higher power for advice and guidance?
In the middle of this revelation, I stood on the bridge feeling alone. I've been putting together a blog for my friend who sits down with pen and paper (and sometimes a question) and writes what the Lord speaks. Lets just say I've been a bit envious. My prayer was like a toddler stamping her foot and saying "Me, too!" (or "Hey, where's my divine revelation, Buddy?") My answer was immediate. In the middle of the snowstorm, when nothing else was moving in the forest, a cardinal flew onto the branch, right beside the creek.
I have always seen the Divine revealed in nature and in those around me. I seek answers in my time at the creek and in being alone in the physical world. When I sit down, my brain never stops. (It's why I am such a good meditation teacher, I've made (or am making) every mistake in the book. You learn a lot of work-arounds.)
Here I had it. Two answers. What to do with them? Here are a few things I came up with:
Define your Higher Power- define it if just for today, it can change tomorrow or even in the next moment. Pick your favorite name- God, Jesus Christ, Ascended Masters, Great Celestial Beings of Light- there is help waiting to be called on, don't go it alone.
Release Expectations- You can't be the question and the answer at the same time (drat!). So define your question and let it go.
Listen- For me, this is the hardest part. The good thing is that if we manage even a few moments, God manages to slip in.
Get some help- Find a meditation or yoga class, find some prayers that you like, take a walk in the woods. There are so many ways, just try something new each day.
On the way back home, I noticed this rose bush. It was cold and snowy outside and the wind was blowing hard, but there it was, full of possibility. There are buds along the stem for next spring and at the very tip, the first leaves had unfurled. Now, these leaves may not make it to the spring, we have harsh weather here in Kentucky, one day it is 65 degrees, the next only 7. Those first leaves and the buds behind them reminded me of all the attempts I have made over the years to listen. One is working for me now, but when it stops, there are many more behind it to nourish me in the future.
An interesting thing happens when I ask for help. Life doesn't alter, but my feelings about it change. Usually I feel clearer thinking and less attached to the outcome of my decisions. It's like suddenly I get the "long view" and realize that it's all just 'stuff.' I embrace my inner Buddha nature easily. As an added side benefit, my posture improves and I breathe better- who could ask for more?
So often we look at a challenge and say, "I can't (or won't) do that!" Insert whatever you would like for "that." Unfortunately I say this all the time in the back of my head. The front, active part of my mind embraces challenges, signs up for new classes, tries the new things. The back of my mind digs its heels in. I found the perfect image on Flickr from Velo abzug.
This little guy's face describes how I feel sometimes. I want to hike instead of run. I want to let go of my childhood books. I want to learn how to really use my voice. The list is endless, but interesting. What I love about energy healing is that I learn to use different techniques to overcome my inner square wheel.
Recently (okay, yesterday), I went through most of the books in our house to find a large group to get rid of. The recent influx of furniture has moved a large bookshelf into my son's room and made a need in the basement to store some family heirlooms. The books had to go. In my searches, I found one of my favorite childhood books. Crispan Magicker by Mark M Lowenthal, published in 1979.
Of course, I reread the book and looked the author up on Wikipedia. This was the author's only fantasy novel. His other works were about U.S. Intelligence and, of all things, the t.v. show Jeopardy. Talk about change and finding a new path. What if our reluctance to find a new path leaves us stuck in fantasy land?
Today's yoga class was challenging. I asked students to look at the world in a new way. We did a variety of twists and hip openers that were not easy. I hate to admit the number of times where I said "Do this, I'll watch." Let's just say that I love to keep all my problems in my hips and I love to have students who can do the things I describe! In my home practice (and in my home life), I use techniques like relaxation and Jin Shin Jyutsu to help me change. Here's a link to the two techniques. Nothing is complete alone, we all need help. Let me know if these work for you.
Today's yoga class was great! It really crystallized some thoughts that have been running through my mind. We always begin sitting and I ask for requests for a focus for the class. One student asked for yoga to cool a "hot" brain. Without thinking much, I was up and running. What I realized about halfway through the class was that I was teaching my "Take the Sting out of Stress" class in yoga format. Who knew?
Here is a YouTube video of a highlights version of the class.
Better yet, if you are looking for the yoga version, here is an outline of a home practice to accomplish the same steps. For clarity I will use the common English terms for each yoga pose. This is going to be a bit long, so here are two versions (the Readers Digest and the full length...)
Short Version
Breathe- Sit quietly, noticing your breath. Encourage the exhale to become longer than the inhale.
Affirm- Give your mind something concrete to focus on, rather than running loops around whatever subject is currently driving you crazy. In class we used 4 alignment points (feet, hips, shoulders and hands). For our purposes, pick one and as you do your active practice, notice the alignment in each pose. A few sun salutations would be a good choice.
Relax- Come into a wide legged forward bend, resting your head on a block (or stack of blocks). Let the mind begin to quiet. Do a few standing poses like Warrior 2, side angle and triangle. In each pose, place your back hand on the base of your skull and relax into it. If your toes are turned toward the right, use your left hand.
Lay down in corpse pose (savasana) or sit for seated meditation. Set a timer for 5 minutes and allow the body and mind to rest. Enjoy.
Life seems to give us all more than our fair share of stressful moments. Over the years I have tried lots of techniques and remedies, but my favorites are the ones that need only a few moments to explain and can easily be taught to children.
As always, when I was developing this class, life gave me ample opportunity to practice. From dropping one son off at college, to fighting a body that was fighting back(yes, I knew as soon as the word fight entered the conversation I was in the wrong), to needing to confront someone about underpayment, I think I spent the whole week remembering to breathe, creating affirmations and reconnecting with the heart. This is not for sissies!
This video explains the easiest techniques to remember when you are stressed out. Just remember BAM!
If the theme this week is all about play, today's yoga class was just right. We played around with different ways to mobilize the joints, looking for freedom rather than rigid stability. One key to looser muscles, however, lies right between your ears. When the mind is free, so is the body. This is the meditation with affirmations that I used to both begin and finish the class.
I woke up this morning, had a great run, then turned into a crazy woman.
The dirty kitchen was unbearable, etc. etc. etc. Sorry, boys, I really took it out on you. Eventually we worked it out through funny music, the icanhasacheezburger website and a bit of cleaning. Later I wondered why I turned into such a beast, especially just after a run when I usually feel great.
All this changing is hard work. I know a belief is only an idea or thought that I accept to be true. That last bit is the hard part. It is hard to change what we accept. I felt like this picture (really the cheezburger website is great!)
It is a little strange in this metaphor that I am both the cat and the master, but there is energy work for you. When I am alone (without my teenage sons who always have the next funny website), I'll play happy music or use guided meditation.
Here is my one of my favorite relaxing guided meditations, from Louise Hay's Love Yourself, Heal Your Life Workbook (Insight Guide)
Here’s an exercise you can do to help you let go and relax:
As you read this exercise, take a deep breath, and as you exhale, allow the tension to leave your body. Let your scalp, forehead, and face relax. Your head need not be tense in order for you to read. Let your tongue, throat, and shoulders relax, Let your back, abdomen, and pelvis relax. Let your breathing be at peace as you relax your legs and feet.
Can you feel a noticeable change in your body since you started reading the previous paragraph? In this relaxed, comfortable position, say to yourself:
“I am willing to let go. I release. I let go. I release all tension. I release all fear. I release all anger. I release all guilt. I release all sadness. I let go of old limitations. I let go, and I am at peace. I am at peace with myself. I am at peace with the process of life. I am safe.”
Go over this exercise two or three times. Repeat it whenever thoughts of difficulty come up. It takes a little practice for the routine to become a part of you. Once you’re familiar with this exercise, you can do it anywhere at any time. You will be able to relax complete in any situation.
This meditation relaxes and makes me feel powerful. One last powerful cat picture. I really do look amazing in the mirror.
In January, as my high school son helped me format my blog, he said "Each day should be unique, visitors like to know what to expect." Like throwing darts at a dartboard and hoping they land well, I chose to make Monday, quote day. Since I chose the name Peaceful Spirit in 2008, I have been collecting quotes about peace or sayings that make me feel peaceful.
Though I began on a whim, I have discovered that one idea is a great way to organize a week. One idea gives both a filter and a reflective surface. When I get overwhelmed (or honestly, underwhelmed) by life, an organizing idea can filter out the less important things (hey you, stop obsessing over the spots on the walls when you haven't meditated for the day).
It also works like a mirror, helping me reflect upon life's happenings (so... why are the spots on the walls so important, are you avoiding something, or do you feel like the house's ageing is reflecting your ageing, or, are they just spots?)
Here is my organizing idea for the week. It comes from the book The Wit and Wisdom of Good Pope John by Henri Fesquet. Sorry there is no link to amazon to purchase the book. It was published in 1965 and the cheapest price I could find is $24. Get it by inter-library loan instead. From the chapter "Favorite Maxims"
"Gutta cavat lapidem" (Drops of water hollow out a stone)
In other words, persistence wins out. When I wrote my first post about the pace of progress, it was in response to clients and friends who feel that they have done so much energy work and are still incomplete. At the time I was pretty sure that my first book would be a series of reflections on progress because I actually wrote 8 options using different metaphors describing the pace of progress. Maybe I need to write another using the drops of water or more scientifically speaking, erosion.
Nature is full of examples of erosion. Sky Bridge at Red River Gorge in Kentucky is one of my favorites.
This bridge is accessible, both physically and fiscally. The entire loop is about a quarter of a mile, the top of the arch is paved for wheelchairs, and best of all it is completely free! Sky Bridge reminds us that a simple drop of water, a simple prayer each day, a little bit of reiki focused on one problem, over time creates a miracle.
Deep within the centre of my being is an endless source of love. I allow this love to float to the surface. It fills my heart, my body, my thoughts, my consciousness, my being itself and shines out from me in all directions and returns manifold to me.
The more love I use and give, the more I have to give. The supply is endless.
The use of love makes me feel good. It is an outward expression of my inner joy.
I love myself, therefore I take loving care of my body. Lovingly, I feed it with wholesome food and drink. Lovingly, I clothe and care for it and my body reacts lovingly to this with sparkling good health and energy.
I love myself, therefore I provide myself with a comfortable house, which satisfies my every need and in which it is pleasurable to be. I fill the rooms with vibrations of love, so that all who enter, myself included, shall feel this love and be nourished by it.
I love myself, therefore I have a job that I truly love doing and in which I am able to use my talents and creativity. It gives me a good income whilst enabling me to work with and for people I love and who love me.
I love myself, therefore I think and behave in a loving way, because I know that what I give will be returned to me manifold. In my world I attract only loving people, because they are a mirror of what I am.
I love myself, therefore I forgive the past and all past experiences. I let everything go, so that I can be free.
I love myself, therefore I live in reality, experiencing every moment as good and knowing that my future will be glittering, joyful and secure, because I am a beloved child of the Universe and the Universe takes loving care of me now and forever.
That’s the way it is.
”
—
“Love Meditation” by Louise Hay (via day355 on Tumblr), one of my favorites. Another way of looking at the heart. This one is particularly good for people who have a problem charging for their reiki services, since reiki is a gift from God. As they say on the airplane, you have to put the oxygen mask on yourself first before you help others.
As I
was ruminating on this post today, I was given such an opportunity to practice
what I preach. I was driving a “new to
me” car and was unsure just how much gas might be left in my tank when the gas light
goes on. So I pulled into the nearest
gas station. The station has 18 pumps
and 25 cars jockeying to get in first.
I’m not sure if I have the gas to go anywhere else, so I resolve to wait
(with patience). As I sat there in line,
giving plenty of room for cars to pull out, a little car zooms in and cuts us
all off.
Now
there are several possible reactions to this and much as I hate to admit it, I
took the least attractive option. I gave
the car the evil eye and proceeded to get a good, righteous anger on. In the midst of this revving up to ramming
speed, I remembered my blog post and changed my attitude. At first I just
released caring, but then moved on to loving all of the people at the gas
station. They weren’t any different from
me. We all just wanted to get gas quickly
and get out of there. As I pulled away
with a happy heart I realized the whole maneuver had taken just over 11
minutes. Definitely not worth losing
your inner harmony over.
In yoga
we do heart openers, in BioGenesis creating we feel the warmth of the heart, in
HeartMath we focus on heart coherence, but where to begin to find this feeling
place? How to find ease and harmony with
any situation? Though I had heard all
the words before, tried meditation, practiced yoga, read the books, the first
technique that ever worked for me came from Dr. Amen’s HeartMath. What follows is a summary of his Quick
Coherence Technique and this is a link to the webpage http://www.heartmath.org/free-services/tools-for-well-being/quick-coherence-adult.html.
1. Heart Focus. Focus your attention on the area around your heart,
the area in the center of your chest. If you prefer, the first couple of times
you try it, place your hand over the center of your chest to help keep your
attention in the heart area.
2.Heart
Breathing. Breathe deeply but normally and feel as if your breath is coming
in and going out through your heart area. As you inhale, feel as if your breath
is flowing in through the heart, and as you exhale, feel it leaving through
this area. Breathe slowly and casually, a little deeper than normal. Continue
breathing with ease until you find a natural inner rhythm that feels good to
you.
3.Heart
Feeling. As you maintain your heart focus and heart breathing, activate a
positive feeling. Recall a positive feeling, a time when you felt good inside,
and try to re-experience the feeling. One of the easiest ways to generate a
positive, heart-based feeling is to remember a special place you’ve been to or
the love you feel for a close friend or family member or treasured pet. This is
the most important step.
I am a scientist at heart so I have
included a small explanation of why this works below, copied directly from the
HeartMath store website http://store.heartmath.org/. Please feel free to skip it if this is not
your thing, but give this wonderful method a chance. It can change your life. The least that can happen is restore your
peace of mind and that is no small thing.
The heart is a primary
generator of rhythmic patterns in the human body, and possesses a far more
extensive communication system with the brain than do other major organs. In
addition, the heart plays a particularly important role in the generation of
emotion. With every heart beat, the heart transmits complex patterns of
neurological, hormonal, pressure, and electromagnetic information to the brain
and throughout the body. As a critical nodal point in many interacting systems
- physiological, cognitive and emotional - the heart is uniquely positioned as
a powerful entry point into the communication network that connects body, mind,
emotions and spirit.
Doc Childre and the
research team at the Institute of HeartMath (IHM) have shown that techniques
which combine intentional heart focus with the generation of sustained positive
feelings lead to a beneficial mode of physiological function they have termed
psychophysiological coherence. Correlates of psychophysiological coherence
include a sine wave-like pattern in the heart rhythms, increased heart-brain
synchronization (alpha rhythms become more synchronized to the heart) and
entrainment between heart rhythm patterns, respiration, blood pressure rhythms
and other physiological systems. Although psychophysiological coherence is a
natural state that can occur spontaneously while people are feeling genuine
positive emotions and during sleep, sustained periods are generally rare.
As an interesting side note, my husband had a great example of the difference between our "normal" state and coherence. I love some of the songs from The Pogues, a celtic punk band. One day my husband played me some of their other music...
Here are The Pogues
Here are The Pogues on HeartMath. Reach inside and expand your heart.
Here it is the most asked about list from 2011, for my students friends and fellow meditators in one easy to access list. From How God Changes You Brain by Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Robert Waldman, the eight best ways to exercise your brain (finally an excuse to yawn freely in public):
8) Smile- “The mere act of smiling helps to interrupt mood disorders and strengthen the brain’s neural ability to maintain a positive outlook on life.”
7) Stay Intellectualy Active- “Nearly every age-related cognitive disability is related to the functioning of your frontal lobe.” Interestingly enough, math and crossword puzzles don’t seem to help, but reading, writing, playing chess or going to a museum do.
6) Consciously Relax- “[Deliberately] scan each part of the body to reduce muscle tension and physical fatigue.”
5) Yawn (!)- “It quickly brings you to a state of cognitive awareness.” There are many studies cited in the book, but my favorite is anecdotal. I was driving home from an all day Speech and Drama competition on a narrow country road, full of twists and turns (and ateep drop offs). I was exhausted and always have a hard time seeing well. I was so afraid, I just started yawning over and over to see if it would help. It did improve my awareness and even my perception of the road. Best of all, I am still here to write this post!
4) Meditate- “Visualization, guided imagery, and self-hypnosis are specific variations of meditation and are equally effective in maintaining a healthy brain.
3) Aerobic Exercise- “Vigorous exercise strengthens every part of the brain.”
2) Dialogue With Others- “Dialogue requires social interaction, and the more social ties we have, the less our cognitive abilities will decline.”
1) Faith- “Faith is equivalent to hope, optimism, and the belief that a positive future awaits us. Faith can also be defined as the ability to trust our beliefs, even when we have no proof that such beliefs are accurate or true.”
